Burma’s Forgotten Hill Peoples

Over 100 different ethnic groups exist in Burma (Myanmar) – many known as “hilltribes” since they live in remote mountain terrains. But this rich and extraordinary mix of indigenous culture has suffered from years of armed conflict and human rights violations. Today, visiting many of these ethnic groups extremely difficult or prohibited. This series of images focuses on groups found in eastern Burma, where fighting has ceased at time of writing and former rebel camps are now disbanded. The photographs aim to record daily life in remote mountain villages where local indigenous traditions are still maintained to this day. The series includes all generations from young to old, though Burmese women make up two thirds of the country’s population. It focuses on ordinary domestic scenes that lie at the heart of indigenous life. The portraits within series the images aim to capture the subtle beauty and quiet pride of many of Burma’s forgotten peoples.